Ghalib Saeed
Causing a public nuisance *
Sentence
3 years and 2 months imprisonment
Ghalib Saeed, 31, of no fixed address, boarded trams on the Bury line on March 15, March 20, and twice on March 22, 2024, while wearing a gas mask and carrying a canister of butane gas in a rucksack. He released the gas on each occasion, causing passengers to smell a strong odour, feel lightheaded, nauseous, and uneasy, leading to distress and alarm. Incidents occurred around 2pm on March 15 at Heaton Park, on March 20 near the door with a hissing sound, and on March 22 at Abraham Moss to Queens Road and later towards Bury at 8.30pm, resulting in a mass exodus of 20-30 passengers at Crumpsall. Saeed was arrested on March 23, 2024, near Fort retail park on Cheetham Hill Road. Phone searches revealed prior research on gases, their effects, gas masks, and 'white areas of Manchester'. He claimed addiction to inhaling butane and paranoia about MI5 and harassment.
Admitted to three counts of causing a public nuisance by discharging butane gas. Judge Elizabeth Nicholls noted these were planned and malicious acts intending to cause serious distress and alarm to fellow passengers. Defendant claimed it was a prank due to harassment and represented himself in court, expressing sincere apology.